Immune System and Chiropractic

The link between the body’s central nervous system and the immune system is critical. Sympathetic activity in the nervous system releases immune regulatory cells into the blood circulation which alters immune function.(1) Numerous osteopathic and chiropractic studies support the link between spinal adjustments and the immune system. This blog entry will summarize a study that dealt with HIV patients.
In this study, conducted at the Sid Williams Research Center in 1994, a group of HIV positive patients received upper cervical (neck) spinal adjustments over a 6 month period. The study measured the number of CD4 cells (an important component of immune system function) before and after the 6 month period. The blood measurements were taken at the patient’s independent medical facility where they were receiving medical supervision for their condition. The results of the study showed a 7.96% decrease in CD4 cell levels in patients who were part of the control group (no actual spinal adjustments were made). Patients who had received actual spinal adjustments showed a 48% increase in CD4 levels.
(1) Korr IM: "Andrew Taylor Still memorial lecture: Research and Practice - a century later." J Am Osteopathy Assoc 1974 73:362.
(2) Selano JL, Hightower BC, Pfleger B, Feeley-Collins K, Grostic JD. "The Effects of Specific Upper Cervical Adjustments on the CD4 Counts of HIV Positive Patients.” The Chiro Research Journal; 3(1); 1994.